Job overview
The department provides a specialist Clinical Biochemistry and Immunology service to both acute and primary care, and to other trusts within the Sussex area. It is working towards accreditation with UKAS, and is approved by the Institute of Biomedical Sciences as a training laboratory. We are looking for an enthusiastic HCPC Registered Senior Specialist Biomedical Scientist to join our team and work in the Biochemistry department across Worthing Hospital, St Richards Hospital, Chichester and Southlands Hospital, Shoreham-by-Sea. You will be working with the Lead BMS and other Senior Specialist Biomedical Scientist in the section and be responsible for the smooth running of the Biochemistry service. We offer a supportive environment, excellent development opportunities, and access to well-equipped labs. Our current platforms include brand new state of the art Abbott Alinity C and Is. All staff will be expected to participate in the 24/7 shift rota once satisfying competency assessment. Help shape the future of diagnostics at UHSussex — where innovation, learning, and community thrive. We will only consider candidates with relevant NHS laboratory experience!
Main duties of the job
As a Senior Specialist Biomedical Scientist the post holder will undertake an extensive range of complex investigations to assist in the diagnosis of disease and monitoring of treatment. These investigations include manual, semi-automated and automated techniques on highly specialised analytical equipment. The post holder will provide day-to-day management of allocated sections within the laboratory under the direction of the Lead BMS but also deputising for them when required. They will be expected to apply professional judgement and utilise specialist skills and detailed scientific knowledge to provide a high quality and timely result service. Also be competent to work independently in all areas of the laboratory and be able to work as an autonomous practitioner. The department will be operating a 24/7 working shift pattern. Shift patterns include weekdays, evenings, nights and weekends and Bank Holidays. The post holder is required to participate in the shift system. The post holder must maintain professional registration, demonstrating high professional standards of knowledge and competency by undertaking personal continuing professional development. They will also participate in the training and development of other staff. It is expected that staff at Band 7 will support the department by taking on additional roles as required such as Health and Safety Officer or Training Officer if required and also support the H&S, training and quality roles.
Working for our organisation
At UHSussex (UHSx), diversity is our strength, & we want you to feel included to help us always put the Patient First. Your uniqueness & experiences will be part of our creative and innovative community where everyone is encouraged to succeed. We have a range of Staff Networks to help break down barriers, & can offer a buddy to help new members settle in. We’re proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2) & a Veteran Aware Trust.
We treat our patients & staff with the same compassion & empathy we expect for ourselves. We’re here for them when they need us, and we go above & beyond to meet their needs. This can be seen in our candidate information pack & wellbeing programme, for staff which is extensive & designed to support you when you need it, including where possible, flexible working to support work life balance - because we know that to look after others we must first look after ourselves.
As a university trust and a leader in healthcare research, we value learning, teaching & training so that we can be the best that we can be. From the moment you start with us & throughout your career we will help you to grow & develop. We hope that in choosing UHSx you are choosing a long & happy career where you will be able to see the difference you make & feel valued for all that you do.
We look forward to receiving your application & the start of your journey with UHSx.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
The successful candidate will be responsible for ensuring the smooth running of Biochemistry day to day activities, quality activities to achieve and maintain UKAS accreditation status, training and supervising of staff and maintaining staff competency logs, managing staffing in the section, ensuring the analysers are maintained correctly and undertaking any troubleshooting that is required; dealing with engineering visits and organising the section around planned and unplanned analytical down time, stock control and ordering of reagents and materials. You must be confident in supervising a team and have good communication skills as you will be working with laboratory staff across sites and disciplines, clinical staff as well as external users of our service.
It is an essential requirement that you have either completed a Specialist IBMS Portfolio or have successfully completed its predecessor, the CPSM/HPC logbook and oral examination. You must also have an MSc or equivalent qualification in the appropriate specialty and years of experience within a diagnostic NHS Biochemistry laboratory.
Candidates would be expected to have experience in delivering training, analyser troubleshooting and using Quality systems.
The department will have a 24/7 shift system in place. The successful candidate will be required to participate in the 24/7 shift working pattern once satisfying competency assessment. The post-holder will be based at UHS Pathology NHS Trust (west sites) but may be required to work across the UHS Pathology NHS Trust sites
Please read the attached job description and person specification for further details.
Person specification
HCPC registered
Essential criteria
1. Must be HCPC registered as a Biomedical Scientist
Desirable criteria
2. Previous experience as a Senior
Laboratory experience
Essential criteria
3. Must have a minimum of 4 years post HCPC registration NHS laboratory experience
IBMS Specialilist portfolio
Essential criteria
4. Must have completed a Specialist Portfolio in Biochemistry
Relevant BSc or equivalent
Essential criteria
5. BSc in Biomedical Sciences
Relevant MSc / MPhil or equiv
Essential criteria
6. Suitable MSc or currently working as band 7
Equality Diversity & Inclusion
Essential criteria
7. Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues
8. Evidence of having championed diversity in previous roles (as appropriate to role).
Important information for applicants:
A Note on AI Use in Applications
We value the individuality and authenticity that each candidate brings to the application process. While AI tools are increasingly accessible, we strongly discourage their use in completing your application. Your responses should reflect your own voice, experiences, and motivations—elements that are essential to a fair and accurate evaluation.
Applications that rely heavily on AI-generated content may misrepresent your abilities and could result in your application being rejected. We encourage you to take the time to present your genuine self, as this helps us better understand your potential and ensures a transparent selection process.
Closing Adverts Early: In the event of exceptional interest, we may close adverts earlier than specified.
Some of our adverts are capped for a limited number of applications; therefore, the advert will close once the cap has been reached. We therefore encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible if you are interested in the position to prevent you from missing out on applying for the opportunity.
Flexible Working: If you would like to explore potential options regarding flexible working please speak with the appropriate recruiting/line manager.
DBS Checks: As part of our commitment to a safe working environment, we undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service check on all new employees where the role is eligible for a criminal record check. We make offers in line with the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1975.
Skilled Worker Visa: Applications for Skilled Worker sponsorship are welcome for the roles that meet the Visa and Immigrations eligibility criteria. For further information please visit the gov.uk website searching for Skilled Worker. It is your responsibility as the applicant to ensure that you meet this criteria.
UHSussex reserves the right to close the role early if we receive a high volume of applications